RONALDO’S SUMMER MOVE TO MADRID

A number of UK newspapers are reporting that a deal has already been done which will allow Cristiano Ronaldo to move from Manchester United to Real Madrid in the summer.

The Portuguese international is still keen on a move to Spain and his advisers have already been working on his salary and contractual terms which will form part of a £75 million transfer.

Ronaldo’s representatives have held extensive talks with Madrid and, according to informed sources, categorically informed the Spanish club last September that he had no intention of remaining in Manchester beyond the end of the current season. It is understood that various pledges were made to ensure the deal happens and that everyone involved in the negotiations made a pact not to discuss the agreement in public.

There are conflicting reports about United’s current position. The official line that ‘Ronaldo is not for sale and under contract until 2012’ doesn’t seem to have changed. However, it’s alleged that behind the scenes, United are resigned to losing their star player.

In total, Ronaldo has scored 110 goals for United in 233 starts and 47 substitute appearances – a staggering strike-rate for a player who is essentially a right-winger.